Attendance 17 Members.
The meeting was opened with a prayer led by Joann. This was followed with the Pledge of Allegiance.
No winner for 50/50 drawing.
Dennis collected Happy Bucks.
Joann reported on items discussed at the Board meeting on February 8th.
Additional information will be supplied to the board in February regarding the playground for Catlin Elementary School.
A $1000.00 donation was approved for Omaha Street School to be used for operation expenses.
Together Omaha and Sienna Francis House each received $250.00 donations. They had representatives speak at our club meetings.
A $250.00 donation to Special Olympics for Vince Pille for participating in the Special Olympics Polar Plunge.
Budgeted items of $300.00 to Children's Fund and $180.00 to NE-IA District Foundation were distributed.
Having a Social Gathering for our club in April was discussed. Barb volunteered to check with Cunningham Bar and Grill regarding the cost. Cunningham's was too pricey. Let Barb know if you have a suggestion of other places to check on.
Next Board Meeting is April 4, 2024.
Steve said our club sent a $100.00 donation to Talking Books in memory of our long time Kiwanis member Will Spech.
Dale said the next reading for Sacred Heart is February 22. Joann, Greg, Rich and Glen volunteered. The following date is February 29th. He needs 4 volunteers. Contact Dale if you can volunteer.
Dale, Barb, Dave, Rich and Joann volunteered to help at Completely Kid's on February 28th from 9:00 am to around 10:30 am.
Our Golf Outing will be June 7th. Steve has reserved Tregaron Golf Course for us. Start thinking of donations and ways you can be of help for the outing. Gift cards, golf balls, golf items, gift baskets etc would be appreciated for the raffle.
Jack said scholarship applications were mailed and are to be returned by March 1st. The committee of Jack, Bob, Dennis, Rod and Glen will review and select the winners. Jack will present scholarships at our meeting on April 8th.
Jack talked to Frank. He is home and is doing well on his own.
Deb reminded everyone that they can bring donations for the homeless to any of our Kiwanis meetings. They can be clothing, food, personal items etc. Joann and Deb will deliver them to Stevens Center or Sienna Francis House. 3 people participated in this again this week.
Bill informed everyone that Jay Morales from the 50 Mile March will be our speaker on March 4th. Bill arranged for us to have Clayton Anderson, a retired NASA astronaut to be our speaker on March 25th. He would love to see other clubs invited and a large attendance for these meetings.
Vince appreciated our club supporting him for the Special Olympics Polar Plunge. It raised $229,000.00 for Special Olympics.
Our own member was our speaker today. It was Ralph Peppard, He is a member of the Omaha Men's Garden Club. This is a group of women and men that enjoy working with the community to promote gardening, pollinators, and groups working with plants. An interesting fact was that an 84 year old woman named Katherine Smith started the club so her husband would have something to do.
Their annual plant sale is May 3rd, 3 pm to 7 pm and May 4th, 8 am to 12 pm at the Keystone Event Center. $110,000.00 made from the plant sales have been donated to various charities. We really enjoyed all the information Ralph shared with us.
Speaker for February 19th is Ralph Peppard on Wills, Conservatorship and Probate
Next meeting is Monday, February 19th at noon at Legends.
Submitted by Barb St John
